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Volumetric Mass Transfer Coefficient in Fermenters: Scale‐up Study in Viscous Liquids
Author(s) -
Petříček Radim,
Labík Libor,
Moucha Tomáš,
Rejl František Jonáš,
Valenz Lukáš,
Haidl Jan
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemical engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-4125
pISSN - 0930-7516
DOI - 10.1002/ceat.201600585
Subject(s) - impeller , mass transfer , mechanics , mass transfer coefficient , range (aeronautics) , power (physics) , mechanical engineering , materials science , thermodynamics , engineering , physics , composite material
In the design of mechanically agitated fermenters, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient k L a often becomes the key parameter. In case of viscous liquids, k L a prediction based on literature correlations suffers from a wide distribution. The aim is to provide reliable k L a correlations based on a large experimental data set obtained using the dynamic pressure method, the physical correctness of which was verified earlier. Multiple‐impeller fermenters of two scales were used. The impeller tip speed, rather than the power input, revealed to be the proper term for prediction of k L a . When the impeller power number is used, k L a values for various impeller types can be predicted by a common correlation which, based on a wide range of operational conditions, can be applied in the design.